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Description

Since its inception, the Tallboy platform has become Santa Cruz's best seller, and with its efficient suspension and neutral handling, it's easy to see why. But, for those who aren't carbon-obsessed, the Santa Cruz Tallboy AL Frame with FLOAT CTD gives you the same legendary VPP suspension, and all of the modern compatibility standards, only in a durable aluminum platform. So, whether you're racing or trail riding, the Tallboy 142 is built to take it.

Much of what makes the Tallboy so widely beloved is its highly refined VPP suspension. VPP uses two counter-rotating links in order to achieve a balance between pedaling efficiency and bump absorption. The upper-link provides most of the rotation as the bike compresses into the sag point. This yields a vertical wheel path, which you'll notice in the form of a firm feel during acceleration. As the bike compresses deeper into the suspension, the lower-link activates, moving the axle path rearward. The rearward axle path enables the rear wheel to move out of the way of impacts more effectively. So, the ride remains smooth, not jarring. You'll also find the same collet-style pivot hardware that has become standard for Santa Cruz's suspension bikes. This means that your pivots stay tight and are a breeze to service.

The Tallboy is tuned for the FOX's FLOAT CTD Evolution shock, which gives you adjustable rebound and compression damping for supreme tune-ability. It receives a custom tune, which enables it to work harmoniously with the Tallboy's VPP suspension. The result is a bike that remains active under braking, is smooth over rough terrain, and provides tons of traction while climbing. Thankfully, this all achieved without any watt-wasting pedal bob.

You'll find a mixed tapered 44/56mm head tube in order to provide compatibility with tapered forks. For the uninitiated, tapered forks make a massive difference in steering precision, especially under hard braking. The rear dropouts accept a 142x12mm thru-axle rear hub, which boosts the stiffness on this already responsive machine. The 73mm English threaded bottom bracket shell ensures a creak-free crankset and ease of service. And the 30.9mm seatpost and 34.9mm front derailleur are both standard items. So, you'll be safe from the headaches associated with finding proprietary parts.

The Santa Cruz Tallboy AL Frame with CTD is available the sizes Medium, Large, and X-Large and in the colors Black, Raw/bare, Red, Satin Black, Satin Clear, and White.

Here's what others have to say...

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Not your everyday XC rig

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

This frameset has been great for me. The VPP suspension design is efficient, but will soak up small bumps at the same time very well. One of my favorite aspects of the VPP suspension is that they never seem to have any type of harsh bottom out, which is especially nice with only 100mm of travel. This, paired with the range of fork travel options on this frameset, allow it to tackle a wide variety of terrain and riding styles. Weight of my complete bike with moderate parts (SLX drivetrain, aluminum cockpit, and tubeless tires) came in at 29lbs w/pedals.